Saturday, January 31, 2015

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 1-0 in front of 1,960 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Salmon Arm: Angus Redmond

1st Period: The Silverbacks would get the games first good chance just a few minutes into the game after Taro Hirose looked to have a great opportunity at an open cage on the wrap around just wasnt fast enough to get around the back of the net before Brandon Egli was there to get the puck away from Hirose. The Vipers started with alot more jump and energy after not showing much in last night's 3-0 loss to Salmon Arm. Both teams come out strong to start the game as the play was fairly even going back and fourth. Danny Todosychuk was forced to make his first tough save of the evening after a shot from the circle was stopped with traffic going to the net, as the Viper goaltender was forced to hold the puck just over six minutes into the game. Very little scoring chances in the first half as the play was even with no real team getting alot of sustained pressure. Johnny Coughlin with a big check on Shane Danyluk at the blueline, as Danyluk looked to be in some discomfort was slow getting off the ice. Danyluk was looked at by the trainer but stayed in the game. With six and a half minutes remaining Brandon Egli would get the Vipers first good look and chance of the period after ripping a quick hard shot from the slot was stopped by Angus Redmond. On the following shift Vernon would get the games first powerplay. The Vipers unable to generate much of an attack couldnt capitalize with the man advantage. About a minute and a half later Salmon Arm would open the scoring late in the frame. Phil Middleton jumped up into the play got two wacks at the puck at the side of the net banged home the loose puck giving the Silverbacks a 1-0 lead at 18:16 Thomas Plese and Taylor Maruya collected the assists. It stayed 1-0 Salmon Arm after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers with a much better start responded well in the opening frame really come to play. Vernon playing with alot more jump and energy were banging and crashing, worked hard and competed in the opening frame. Salmon Arm also played a good hard nosed opening frame, both teams battled with very little scoring chances in a fairly evenly matched opening period. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 10-9.

2nd Period: Both teams were once again keeping pace with one another as the play was back and fourth in the opening few minutes. Viper captain Riley Guenther with a long dump in shot from just past centre handcuffed Angus Redmond who went down on his knees made the save but looked to misplay or misshandle the shot as the puck almost snuck behind the Silverbacks goaltender who was forced to cover the puck and wait for a whistle. Just over five or so minutes into the middle frame Vernon would create and generate some offence. Liam Finlay with two good chances at the side of the net couldnt bang the loose puck home past Redmond. The Vipers slowly started to carry the play getting some good pressure inside the Backs blueline. Linden Hora from the slot was stopped by Redmond as the Vipers were coming on. Vernon with several good looks had the edge in play for most of the first half. The Vipers played a very physical 2nd period laying out some big hits. Nick Hutchinson, Taylor Maruya and Joshua Laframboise all went down and were slow to get up. Hutchinson took the biggest of the hits went straight to the Silverbacks dressingroom where he was attended on before returning to the game. The Vipers would then get into a bit of a scrum behind Danny Todosychuk. Mitch Meek dropped the gloves went after Carson Bolduc, Meek was given the extra penalty giving Salmon Arm their first powerplay of the night. The Backs with real good pressure forced Todosychuk into making several key saves while on the penalty kill. The Viper goaltender come up big as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. Vernon would get into penalty trouble as the Silverbacks would get three straight powerplays. SA with lots of good pressure moved the puck around couldnt capitalize. A shot from the point looked to come back off the end glass went off the top of the net before bouncing into the corner on a very close call. The Silverbacks would call a timeout to try and draw up a game plan. Chase Priskie walked in from the point ripped a high hard shot that forced Danny Todosychuk to come up with a huge glove save keeping this a one goal game. On the following faceoff Priskie wound up from the other side of the blueline and again was stopped by Todosychuk who made two big back to back glove saves. The Vipers and Danny Todosychuk come up with a big penalty kill killing off all three penalties. Due to three straight powerplays the Silverbacks carried the play and had more puck possession in the second half couldnt capitalize. Salmon Arm was up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers with a strong start to the period had some real good quality chances, carried the better of the play in the first half, had lots of pressure couldnt tie the game. Salmon Arm would get three straight powerplays in the second half of the frame couldnt put this game away went 0-3 with the man advantage had most of the play due to all the penalties in the second half. Shots were even 11-11.

3rd Period: A ten to fifteen minute delay delayed the final period as Danny Todosychuk and the Vipers were complaining about the ice in front of the Vernon goal. A rink crew come out to try and scrape the ice before the zamboni was called out to re-clean the ice in front of the Viper net. Both teams were then sent onto the ice for a quick lap or two before the 3rd period got underway. The Vipers would get a great opportunity in the opening minute to tie the game. Liam Coughlin went in on the two on one setup TJ Dumonceaux who couldnt get a good enough shot off whiffed on his shot as Angus Redmond made the fairly routine save. Down 1-0 Vernon started to get going early and carried alot of the play. Not generating alot of chances early the Vipers had more puck possession couldnt generate much offence. Salmon Arm was doing a great job at shutting Vernon's offensive players down played a dump and chip 3rd period. With seven minutes remaining Vernon would get a great opportunity with a PP. Moving the puck around the Vipers setup Luke Shiplo who beat Angus Redmond but hit the post as the Vipers couldnt buy a goal. Thomas Aldworth lost the puck in the neutral zone allowing Josh Blanchard to steal the loose puck, went in for the breakaway was stopped by Danny Todosychuk who made a huge save as the puck looked to go between Todosychuk's legs come out the other end and into the corner. The Backs thought they had scored as the play was blown dead with several Silverbacks players going after the referee. Aldworth was given a hooking penalty wich put both teams four on four. The Backs would get a shortened powerplay were unable to capitalize as the Vipers would kill off the remainder of Aldworth's minor. With time winding down the Vipers poured on the pressure come up with several great chances in front. Nick Hutchinson with a strong defensive play dove across the front of the goal to break up a Viper pass. With less then three minutes to go a mad scramble in front of the Silverbacks net the loose puck was bouncing around come out front Liam Finlay couldnt get his stick on the loose puck for a shot at the net. A shot from in close beat Angus Redmond went off the crossbar as the Vipers were pressing. Vernon would call a timeout with 2:05 to go would eventually get Todosychuk to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:52 to go. Liam Finlay alone at the side of the net just missed the far corner on wich looked like a sure goal. The Vipers pressing were going hard to the net, throwing pucks in front couldnt buy a break. Salmon Arm collapsing down low couldnt clear the front of the net would eventually clear the zone before Shane Danyluk just missed the open cage as the puck went off the post. The Silverbacks would get the puck deep into the Vernon zone in the dying seconds would hold on as the buzzer would sound coming away with back to back shutout victories over the Vipers with a 1-0 win as the Silverbacks poured onto the ice. The Vipers with a strong period slowly started to come on as the period went along. Vernon didnt generate alot of chances early would get lots of good looks and opportunities late in the frame couldnt buy a goal come very close on several plays. The Vipers carried most of the play were all over the Silverbacks in the final twenty minutes. Salmon Arm who didnt have much puck possession played a very tight defensive game hung on for the huge win. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 6-3.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brandon Egli I thought played a very hard earned defensive game. Egli was very strong in the defensive zone, made several big defensive plays.

The line of Mitchell Oliver, Blaine Caton & Linden Hora I thought played a very strong game, really battled and competed all night. These three played a real hard nosed game, got involved in the play, didnt back down from the physical play, had some good shifts, played with alot of spark.

Colton McCarthy I thought played a very physical, hard nosed game. Really battled down low, was hard to play against. Played with alot of energy, was really hustling.

Johnny Coughlin was another defenceman that played very well on the backend. Looked confident, moved the puck well, didnt panic, made some very smart plays at both ends of the rink.

Danny Todosychuk (22 saves) Has played really well the last two games. Made some very key yet big saves while on the penalty kill in the 2nd period. Salmon Arm with back to back to back powerplays in the second half of the middle frame couldnt beat Todosychuk who was the Vipers best penalty killer. Gave his team a chance to win tonight.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

A tough loss after the Vipers responded and come back with a much better effort and performance tonight. The Vipers who didnt play or look very good last night really come to play tonight and battled hard. Vernon has now been shutout in back to back games. I really liked the Vipers compete level, I thought the Vipers were by far the more physical team, especially in the 2nd period. Three huge hits laid out three different Salmon Arm players. Vernon come ready to play and it showed, the Vipers played with alot more jump and energy had lots of intensity tonight. Didnt generate a whole lot of chances in the 1st had a good start to the 2nd period before getting into penatly trouble. A great 3rd really poured on the pressure couldnt get a break or bounce for the game tying goal. The Vipers had lots of good quality chances late, could have easily tied the game. This was anybodys game. Don Klepp said on the post game show on the radio that the Vipers got well more then six shots on goal in the 3rd. Tonight was the first game of a six game road trip.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Phil Middleton (1 goal) Played very well on the Backs blueline. Very steady, saw lots of ice, jumped into the play on occasion was solid.

Chase Priskie who played very well last night, had another strong game tonight. Unloaded a quick shot on the man advantage couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who made back to back glove saves off the SA D-man.

Ryley Booth played well against his former team.

Bryden Marsh was really flying, skating hard, moving the puck, was dangerous. The Silverbacks captain was hard to contain most of the night.

Taylor Maruya (1 assist) Looked very good, was another kid who was really flying, skating hard, super quick on his feet, gave the Vipers trouble. Works and competes hard.

Angus Redmond (27 saves-shutout) Picked up his 5th shutout of the season and second in two games. Redmond who didnt see alot of action last night was forced to make a few more difficult saves tonight. Got some help from his defence and the post/crossbar was very solid between the pipes.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

After losing three straight the Salmon Arm Silverbacks pick up two huge back to back shutout victories over a tough Vernon Vipers hockey club. Salmon Arm is now just two points back of West Kelowna & Merritt who are both tied in points for 3rd-4th place. The Backs play the Warriors Friday in wich will be another big game for both clubs. Tonight was a heck of a hockey game as both teams played hard, competed and made for one heck of an entertaining game, wich was well worth the drive down. Salmon Arm didnt generate alot of offence sorta like Vernon but played very well defensively. The Backs didnt box out the Vipers as much as they did last night still shutdown the Vipers top two lines. Playing a dump and chip style of game come the 3rd the Backs may have got a little too comfortable in their own end may have got lucky on a few plays to keep the puck out of their net. This game was very close and pretty evenly matched for the first two periods but it was all Vipers in the 3rd. If you dont think this was a huge win-game for the Silverbacks, just look how they erupted at the buzzer pouring off the ice to congratulate Angus Redmond. These two wins this weekend could go a long way for a team, give them confidence, momentum and add some unity to the group and dressingroom. If the Backs get into the playoffs, watchout, they could be a surprise and maybe upset a team or two if they play like this. Great to see a full rink, standing room only. First time in a long time! A great crowd and a great game!

Tonight is the sixth game of eight meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks this season. The season series is tied 2-2-1-0. You can listen to the game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 314-307

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-14-1-6 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-15-2-6 in Salmon Arm

Vernon is 3-5-0-2 in its last 10 regular season visits at the Shaw Centre

Vernon is 4-2-1-3 in its last 10 regular season games vs Salmon Arm at home

Vernon is 5-3-1-1 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Salmon Arm was a 3-2 victory on Friday, October 10th 2014

The Silverbacks last regular season win at Kal Tire Place was a 3-0 victory on Friday, January 30th 2015

The Vipers last regular season win at the Shaw Centre was a 7-5 victory on Friday, November 28th 2014

The Silverbacks last regular season win at the Shaw Centre vs Vernon was a 2-1 win on Friday, November 7th 2014

The Vipers went 3-2-0-2 vs Salmon Arm last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers make their third visit of the season to the Shaw Centre are coming off a 3-0 loss to the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday. Tonight is the first of a six game road trip where the Vipers will play nine of their final twelve regular season games. Vernon has won just twice in their last six road games. Tonight is the second game of a home and home series with Salmon Arm as they two teams will meet again in Vernon on February 13th. The Vipers won the last meeting in Salmon Arm between these two teams after a 7-5 victory on November 28th. The Vipers sit 2nd in the Division are fourteen points back of Division leading Penticton, eleven points up on Merritt & thirteen points up on West Kelowna. The Vipers have won three of their last five and are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games.

Thomas Aldworth (34-16-50) leads the team in goals with thirty four while Liam Coughlin (18-36-54) leads the team in points with fifty four.

-Kevin Kraus & Eric Godard were both Assistant Coaches with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last season

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks return home after a five game road trip where they finished 2-3. The Silverbacks are coming off a 3-0 victory in Vernon last night begin a two game home stand tonight. Salmon Arm has been hot of late at home, winning six of their last seven home games. The Backs have just two wins in their last five games are 4-6-0-0 in their last ten. Salmon Arm sits in 5th place are two points back of West Kelowna, four points back of Merritt and fifteen points back of Vernon.

Carson Bolduc (16-18-34) & Taro Hirose (16-28-44) share the team lead in goals with sixteen while Andrew Farny (14-32-46) leads the team in points with fourty six.

-Logan Mick played 53 games in Vernon last season collecting (7-goals7-assists-14-points) playing two seasons with the Vipers before being traded to Merritt & Salmon Arm in the off season

-Branden Wagner played in 24 games with the Vipers this season before being traded to Salmon Arm on December 1st 2014

-Zach Dyment was an "AP" with the Vipers last season

-Ryley Booth played in 11 games last season & this year before being traded to Salmon Arm on October 28th

-Troy Mick played with the Vernon Lakers and was an Assistant Coach-Head Coach-GM with the Vernon Vipers

Friday, January 30, 2015

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-0 in front of 2,408 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Salmon Arm: Angus Redmond

1st Period: The Salmon Arm Silverbacks come ready to play this evening, come out of the gates flying. The Silverbacks jumped on the Vipers early getting a ton of pressure on Vernon in the opening few minutes. The Vipers couldnt clear the zone as Salmon Arm had full control of the play for a good two minutes but couldnt create any real good quality scoring chances. The Vipers looked to settle down and come right back with a strong push back of their own, as now it was Vernon who had some good pressure deep in the Backs zone. Salmon Arm native Colton McCarthy going hard to the net was stopped by Angus Redmond before getting a second opportunity on the rebound couldnt beat the Silverbacks veteran goaltender on the games first good chance of the night. From here on in the play was fairly even as both teams went back and fourth with not alot of shots on goal or for that matter not alot of great scoring opportunities at both ends of the rink. Salmon Arm was really skating hard, were playing with alot of jump were the more physical of the two clubs laying out some good hits and finishing their checks. Jagger Williamson who returned to the lineup tonight made a nice pass through a Silverback defender spotted Johnny Coughlin who found an open lane wired a shot from the circle beat Angus Redmond but hit the crossbar as the Vipers come very close to opening the scoring. About a minute and a half later speedy Josh Blanchard going to the net jumped on a rebound out front couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn who made a huge pad save keeping this game scoreless. Three minutes later Anthony Latina re-directed a pass through the slot that went off the post as Vernon come very close to getting the games first goal. A few minutes later Carson Bolduc was stopped in close by Schamerhorn. The Backs started to come on late in the frame had a slight edge. The Silverbacks with good pressure in the final three to four minutes finished the period strong. Less then two minutes remaining Liam Coughlin with a long stretch pass setup Colton McCarthy who went in alone for the breakaway, McCarthy shot was stopped by Redmond who got a peice of McCarthy's shot with his glove making a big save late in the 1st. A scrum broke loose at the buzzer as two Salmon Arm players went after one Vernon player before everyone got involved. Lots of pushing and shoving as tempers heated up at the end of the period before the minor melay was broken up. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. Not alot of shots or scoring chances in a period where both teams looked fairly even as the play went back and fourth most of the frame. Other then the opening few minutes neither team could sustain any lengths of pressure in the other teams defensive zone. The Vipers hit a crossbar and one post were close to opening the scoring. Both teams had a few good opportunities. Salmon Arm played a very physical first period, played with alot of jump had a bit of a step on the Vipers who didnt seem to have much jump. The Backs were really skating hard, outskated Vernon. The Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 9-8.

2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame with the games first powerplay after the Silverbacks were given a penalty at the end of the opening period. Vernon come close to opening the scoring after a mad scramble in the Salmon Arm crease as bodies were all over the place looking for the loose puck that was rolling around in the blue paint. The Backs were able to tie players up in front, get bodies in the way and somehow clear the puck from the front of the net without it ending up in the back of their net. This was the only real pressure or lone opportunity Vernon would get with the PP before Anthony Latina would get called for goaltender interference after bumping into Angus Redmond behind the goal. Both teams played a little four on four. Ross Heidt would get a great look and shot at the net after a Backs faceoff win in the Viper zone but Jarrod Schamerhorn come up with a big pad save before the Silverbacks would get their first powerplay of the night, wich was shortened. SA with some good pressure didnt generate alot of chances carried the play but couldnt get much going as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Carson Bolduc's shot from the high slot was re-directed on its way to the net by veteran twenty year old forward Shane Danyluk who put Salmon Arm on the board 1-0 at 3:17 Bolduc & Damian Chrcek collected the assists. Less then two minutes later Vernon would get their second shot with the man advantage but again couldnt generate any real attack as the Silverbacks would kill off the minor. Salmon Arm looked to gain some momentum after opening the scoring looked hungry and played a very hard in the 2nd. The Backs continued to play physical, were very strong down low and hard along the wall winning the battles, the races and just more aggresive overall. The Vipers who didnt seem to be skating most of the night were outworked and outcompeted most of the frame. Riley Brandt was basically the lone Viper who was doing all the hitting. The Backs come very close to jumping up 2-0 after a shot from the corner hit the side of the net and almost snuck in between Schamerhorn and the post before the Vipers goaltender was able to smother the puck for a whistle. Vernon who couldnt get much offence going this period would fall behind two goals after another deflection. Chase Priskie's point shot was re-directed down low in tight by Thomas Plese who beat Jarrod Schamerhorn low giving Salmon Arm a 2-0 lead at 11:42 Plese and Taylor Maruya picked up the helpers. For the second straight period not alot of scoring chances at either end of the rink. And again for the second period in a row no team was basically domintaing the play, neither team could get any sustained pressure going. The play did go back and fourth at times but other times the Silverbacks had the Vipers bottled up in their own end chasing the puck. Riley Brandt would get a great opportunity with a minute and a half to go looked to have Angus Redmond beat went around the Silverback goaltender but somehow couldnt slide the puck into the open cage on a missed opportunity. I think the Salmon Arm defenceman was able to just lift Brandt's stick at the last second to make a huge defensive play keeping the Vipers off the board. Salmon Arm was up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. The Silverbacks get on the board first, open the scoring early into the second period get a huge second goal midway through the period to have a two goal lead on the road heading into the 3rd. The Vipers with one good chance didnt generate much offence at all, where as the Silverbacks scored twice on deflections also didnt generate alot of offensive chances played very physical, won most of the races and battles along the boards outworked and outskated the Vipers. Give SA a edge in play.

3rd Period: For a third straight period not alot of scoring opportunities at both ends of the rink. The Silverbacks and Vipers went back and fourth but it was Vernon who struggled to get the puck into the Backs zone. As the period went on the Vipers did manage to finally get some kind of an attack going but didnt generate any real threat as Angus Redmond was seeing most of Vernon's shots making the routine saves. The Vipers had pressure at times couldnt get pucks to the net. Just before the halfway mark the Vipers would finally get their first real quality chance of the period. A big shot from the point where everyone went hard to the goal but the shot didnt get through Redmond who somehow made the tough save with bodies in front. Some pushing and shoving after the save. A few shifts later Vernon product Colton Thibault with a nice move in across the Viper blueline setup Andrew Farny who jumped into the play was stopped by Jarrod Schamerhorn who come up with a big save keeping this a two goal game. A few minutes later Vernon would get their third powerplay but again couldnt muster any kind of offence as Salmon Arm killed off the minor. Riley Brandt would get a good look at the net shortly after ripped a hard shot that was quickly snagged up by the glove of Redmond who made a nice glove save. As the clock was winding down the Vipers struggled offensively to get pucks into the Silverbacks zone and pucks to the net. Salmon Arm would put the game away late after Taylor Maruya beat Schamerhorn on a wrap around giving the Backs a 3-0 lead at 17:27 Shane Danyluk with the assist. Tempers heated up with less then a minute to go after Colton McCarthy crosschecked Josh Laframboise into the boards before a scrum formed at centre ice with everyone getting involved. Luke Shiplo was tied up in the middle of the altercation while Damian Chrcek was throwing punches at Riley Guenther. A long delay stopped play while the referee's sorted out the penalties. After all was said and done the Silverbacks would come out on top with a two man advantage for the final fifty five seconds of the game. The Backs moved the puck around didnt get any real scoring chances as the Vipers were able to clear the zone a few times before the buzzer sounded. In the end the Silverbacks come away with the 3-0 victory. Not much of a period with neither team getting alot of scoring chances. Both teams didnt generate much offensively all night. The Vipers struggled getting the play into the Salmon Arm zone and getting pucks on net. The Silverbacks with another hard working period come up with a solid road win. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 11-3.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Riley Guenther I thought was a bright spot on the Viper backend. The Viper captain I thought played very well on the blueline. Seemed confident with and without the puck, was moving the puck well, jumped up into the play. Overall was good.

Anthony Latina I thought was one of the very few Vipers that were skating and played hard. Latina who also played very well in Wednesday's win over Merritt showed alot of hustle through out the game. Played with an edge, was getting under the skin of several Salmon Arm players. Come very close to opening the scoring in the 1st period but re-directed a pass off the post.

Riley Brandt was the only other Viper who played with alot of energy and was skating. Brandt the lone Viper to play physical was in the face of the Silverbacks most of the night. This kid plays hard and competes hard almost every night. Worked hard tonight banging and crashing.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I would say the Vipers played all that bad tonight but I will say they didnt play all that well. Three of the last four games Vernon hasnt looked or played like they have been up to this point. I didnt think the Vipers were skating at all tonight, didnt seem to have muc jump or energy through out the game. I thought the teams intensity level was down. Other then Riley Brandt not much hitting come from Vernon's side. The Vipers lost almost all battles, races for the puck and were outskated. The Vipers didnt get any breaks or bounces had troubles getting the offence going from the start of the game. Most of Vernon's top players were invinsible tonight. The Vipers have to play with a little more compete and work for their goals. The Vipers with very few good quality chances were kept to the outside, were trying to be too cute at times instead of getting shots-pucks on goal. Both teams didnt really generate alot of sustained pressure in the other teams end. Vernon needs to respond with a better effort tomorrow night in Salmon Arm.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Chase Priskie (1 assist) I thought played a heck of a game on the Backs blueline. Picking up one assist was very strong tonight.

Jordan Burns who was recently acquired from Powell River just before the holidays saw alot of icetime, played very well. Was in the face of the Vipers after the whistle didnt notice or spot him much in the 3rd. Not sure if maybe I just missed him or he wasnt playing-was injured? Played very well.

Damian Chrcek (1 assist) Was another Silverbacks defender that looked and played very good in the victory. Wasnt afraid to back down from the after the whistle altercations was involved in the play.

The line of Carson Bolduc, Taro Hirose and Josh Blanchard I thought was a very quick, go to the net kinda line that played very well. I really liked Bolduc, was involved in the play, was going to the net, was getting some chances played well. I also liked Blanchard's game, another kid who was involved in the game, was going to the net, looking for pucks, opportunities.

Shane Danyluk (1 goal & 1 assist) The Salmon Arm native and former Western Hockey Leaguer played very well. Quick, smart and sees the ice well. Seems to always know where the puck is and where its going. Opened the scoring for the Backs has played well against Vernon this season.

Angus Redmond (31 saves-shutout) Picked up his fourth shutout of the season. I didnt think had to make many big saves did make the saves when needed. Redmond did make a big save off McCarthy on a breakaway towards the end of the 1st period. Overall I think saw all of Vernon's 31 shots.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks come into Vernon pick up their first win at Kal Tire Place this season snapped a three game losing streak as well as the Vipers nine game home winning streak. The Backs come up with a very hard working, greasy road win. Salmon Arm come ready to play and it showed off the opening puck drop. The Silverbacks looked hungry early and often in the opening few minutes had some good pressure in the Vernon zone. A fairly big club has some good size really used it tonight, playing very physical laying out hits and finishing their checks all night. Really skating hard the Silverbacks were strong on the puck and away from the puck, won most of the races, the battles along the wall and overall outworked and outcompeted the Vipers most of the night. Salmon Arm had lots of jump, lots of energy looked to want it more then the Vipers. Give the Backs credit just because there second from the bottom of the standings this team didnt roll over and give up. I really liked Salmon Arm's defensive game tonight, did a great job at shutting down Vernon's top lines, boxed the Vipers out most of the night, limited their shots and chances and didnt give the Vipers much time or space for second opportunities. A big win and a big game for the Backs who are now just two points back of West Kelowna for the final playoff spot.

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 314-304

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-13-1-6 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-15-2-6 in Salmon Arm

Vernon is 3-5-0-2 in its last 10 regular season visits at the Shaw Centre

Vernon is 5-1-1-3 in its last 10 regular season games vs Salmon Arm at home

Vernon is 5-2-1-2 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Salmon Arm was a 3-2 victory on Friday, October 10th 2014

The Silverbacks last regular season win at Kal Tire Place was a 6-5 overtime victory on Saturday, September 14th 2013

The Vipers last regular season win at the Shaw Centre was a 7-5 victory on Friday, November 28th 2014

The Silverbacks last regular season win at the Shaw Centre vs Vernon was a 2-1 win on Friday, November 7th 2014

The Vipers went 3-2-0-2 vs Salmon Arm last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-3 win over the visiting Merritt Centennials Wednesday wrap up a two game home stand before hitting the road for their next six games. Tonight is the first game of a home and home series with Salmon Arm. The Vipers won the last meeting between these two teams after a come from behind win in Salmon Arm for the 7-5 victory on November 28th. The Vipers have won nine straight at home have won back to back games and four of their last five. Vernon is 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games are ranked 18th this week in the CJHL weekly top twenty standings. The Vipers sit 2nd in the Division are thirteen points up on Merritt & West Kelowna and twelve points back of Division leading Penticton.

Thomas Aldworth (34-16-50) leads the team in goals with thirty four while Liam Coughlin (18-36-54) leads the team in points with fifty four.

-Kevin Kraus & Eric Godard were both Assistant Coaches with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last season

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks make their third visit of the season to Kal Tire Place. The Silverbacks come away with a 3-3 tie in their last visit to Vernon back on November 8th. The Silverbacks last regular season win at Kal Tire Place was a 6-5 overtime victory on Saturday, September 14th 2013. Salmon Arm is coming off a 1-0 loss in Penticton Wednesday will wrap up a five game road trip tonight where they are 1-3. The Silverbacks have lost three straight have one win in their last five and are 4-6-0-0 in their last ten games. The Backs have yet to win in Vernon this season are 0-1-1-0 have one win in their last five games away from home. Salmon Arm sits 5th in the Interior Division are thirteen points up on last place Trail. The Silverbacks are four points back of West Kelowna & Merritt while seventeen points back of Vernon. Former Vipers forward Logan Mick is out for the season with a lower body injury. Taro Hirose (3-3-6) has six points in four games vs the Vipers this season while Shane Danyluk (0-4-4) has four assists in four games vs Vernon this year.

Carson Bolduc (16-17-33) & Taro Hirose (16-28-44) share the team lead in goals with sixteen while Andrew Farny (14-32-46) leads the team in points with fourty six.

-Logan Mick played 53 games in Vernon last season collecting (7-goals7-assists-14-points) playing two seasons with the Vipers before being traded to Merritt & Salmon Arm in the off season

-Branden Wagner played in 24 games with the Vipers this season before being traded to Salmon Arm on December 1st 2014

-Zach Dyment was an "AP" with the Vipers last season

-Ryley Booth played in 11 games last season & this year before being traded to Salmon Arm on October 28th

-Troy Mick played with the Vernon Lakers and was an Assistant Coach-Head Coach-GM with the Vernon Vipers

It was Game 45 on a Wednesday night in late January. Doesn’t get any sleepier than that on the Vernon Vipers’ B.C. Hockey League schedule.

Thanks to a magical powerplay and some clutch stops by Danny Todoyschuk, the Vipers escaped with a 4-3 pedestrian win over the Merritt Centennials before 1,650 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Vernon was without four regulars and Merritt six, but both teams had enough core players to create enough offence. The Vipers played just well enough for their 30th win, while the Cents certainly deserved a point, if not two.

Anthony Latina, with his 13th of the year, Thomas Aldworth, with his team-high 35th and Liam Coughlin, with his 19th, converted with Vernon on the man advantage.

Michael Roberts, who first played in the BCHL for the Vipers in 2011, was summoned from the Junior B Revelstoke Grizzlies and netted the winner, on a scorching wrister from the right hash marks, with 5:16 remaining.

“We were just doing the little details, chipping pucks and laying the body,” said Viper winger Liam Coughlin, named first star. “A lot of guys are injured and it was good that Michael went short side, cheese; that was amazing.”

Zak Bowles and Jake Clifford, on a breakaway, gave the Cents a 2-1 lead in the second period before Aldworth levelled the score 2:10 into the third. Michael Ederer scored off a wild scramble with 3:50 left, making it 4-3. The Cents pulled Anthony Pupplo for an extra attacker but couldn’t beat Todoyschuk while also having a few shots blocked by defencemen in tight.

Aldworth, who is third in league snipes, connected after an all-planet behind the back pass by Coughlin 30 seconds into a powerplay. Everybody in the building figured Coughlin was going to shoot.

“I know he’s (Aldworth) always gonna be there and I seen him out of the corner of my eye,” said Coughlin. “I could have shot it but I know if I go to him, it’s probably gonna go in. The goalie probably didn’t think it was gonna go over there either.”

Todoyschuk grabbed a hammer from the trainer’s room to repair his mask after absorbing a wicked slapper from former Moncton Wildcat left winger Stephan Seeger in the late going.

“Danny played unbelievable,” said Coughlin. “He kept us in the game with some huge saves. That was a cannon shot (by Seeger) and a big save.”

Overtime seemed like a fair way to decide this tilt until Cents’ captain Gavin Gould inadvertently clipped T.J. Dumonceaux in the face with his stick along the sidewall with 8:13 to play.

Coughlin broke the tie with Liam Finlay and d-man Luke Shiplo assisting. Roberts, who has nine goals in eight games with Revelstoke, cruised down the right wing and fooled Pupplo for his 13th career BCHL snipe 2:27 later.

Clifford, a defenceman out of Cleveland who has a scholarship to Arizona State University in Tempe locked up, figured the clock beat the Cents in the end.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Clifford, who has eight goals. “That powerplay goal kind of set us back and then they got another one. We kind of ran out of time. If we had a couple more minutes, I feel we would have tied it up. We were buzzing, that’s for sure.”

The Cents and West Kelowna Warriors share third spot with 50 points. The Vipers are a dozen points behind Penticton with 13 games left until the post-season.

“We have to keep working smart and use our creativity,” said Clifford. “All the teams in our division are good. We have a lot skill this year and as long as we keep working like we did tonight, the wins will start coming.”

“The pre-game message was just play a simple hockey game,” said Viper captain Riley Guenther, chosen third star for a solid showing on the back end. “We had a good effort in Merritt (Saturday night win) and we were looking to keep that work ethic up tonight and I don’t think we did a great job of that, but we pulled through and found a way to win so that says a lot about our group.”

Guenther said the Vipers were sloppy in their own zone, but got serious help from Todoyschuk (10-4).

The Vipers host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday night. Salmon Arm lost 1-0 to the host Penticton Vees Wednesday night to stay four points back of Merritt in the Interior Division playoff race.

A late first period tally from superstar rookie Tyson Jost was all the Vees needed before 2,368 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The shutout win extends the Vees’ win streak to four as they now face a weekend doubleheader with the last-place Trail Smoke Eaters

Hunter Miska made 19 saves for his BCHL-best fifth shutout on the season.Penticton was shut down 3-0 by Salmon Arm Jan. 3. The Silverbacks dropped their third straight.

Jost fired a bullet into the top corner at 16:19. Gabe Bast skipped the puck across to Jost and as it bounced, Jost snapped the puck over the arm of Silverback goalie Angus Redmond for his 18th of the season. Jost was thwarted earlier in the period, when another one of his hard shots smoked the crossbar.

SNAKE BITES: Rookie F Linden Hora, looking for his first goal, struck the far post with a rocket midway through the second...Todosychuk stretched his right leg out to stymie Gould at the first-period buzzer and later stuffed New York sniper John Schiavo in tight...Clifford outraced Aldworth for his breakaway goal after Gould freed up the puck inside the Viper blueline...Bowles, a Kelowna product, has three goals in eight games since being traded by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs...Vernon visits Salmon Arm Saturday night...Finlay had two assists.

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Florida Everblades have released former Vernon Vipers defenceman Maolcolm Lyles. Lyles attened the Everblades Training Camp back in October as a tryout but was released during camp. Lyles has now returned to the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Pensacola Ice Flyers for a second season. No official press release from the Everblades but Lyles name was no longer on the teams Training Camp roster. Lyles is now back on the Ice Flyers roster. In just two games this season with Pensacola Lyles has recorded one assist.

Lyles started last season with the Federal Hockey League (FHL) Danville Dashers before joining the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Pensacola Ice Flyers on December 27th 2014. In 16 games with the Dashers Lyles picked up (3-goals-13-assists-16-points). In 31 games last season with Pensacola Lyles collected (7-goals-7-assists-14-points). Lyles and the Ice Flyers won the 2014 SPHL Presidents Cup Championship in April.

Lyles left Boston College after two seasons played one season in Vernon (2010-2011) playing in 54 games with the Vipers collecting (8-goals-22-assists-30-points) before finishing his schooling (2011-2013) at UMass-Lowell University.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Centennials game as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-3 in front of 1,647 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Merritt: Anthony Pupplo

1st Period: Just 1:05 into the game Mitch Meek coughed up in the puck inside his own blueline allowing Colin Grannary in for a parcial breakaway, Grannary was being hooked on the play got off a weak shot that was stopped by Danny Todosychuk on a great opportunity early for the Centennials. Merritt would get the games first powerplay on the play that lasted just less then a minute before taking a penalty of their own as both teams played a little four on four before the Vipers would get their first look with the man advantage. On the shortened PP Vernon would capitalize. Kenny Citron setup Anthony Latina in front who beat Anthony Pupplo giving Vernon the early 1-0 lead at 3:28 Citron and Brandon Egli picked up the helpers. The Vipers gained momentum off the powerplay goal and started rolling, pouring on the pressure. The Vipers getting lots of pucks to the goal were firing everything towards Anthony Pupplo who didnt have to make any real difficult saves but had to be alert making several good saves in the opening frame. The Cents back on their heels couldnt get out of their own end as Vernon was carrying the play all in the Merritt zone. The Centennials with just three shots in the first half before a minor scrum formed in front of Anthony Pupplo at the ten minute mark. Riley Brandt and Rhett Willcox got involved in some pushing and shoving as both players were sent to the penalty box continued to chirp at one another while in the sin bin. Edmonton Oilers draft pick Liam Coughlin would get a great chance in front made a slick move in front went backhand forehand before being stoned by Pupplo in close. Less then a minute later the Centennials would get their second good opportunity of the period after veteran defenceman Shane Poulsen's point shot looked to handcuff Danny Todosychuk who was forced to make a difficult save with bodies going to the net. The Vipers would then get their second PP of the night but didnt look very good as Merritt was able to kill off the minor. The Vipers who were all over Merritt just before this last powerplay went into a bit of a lull and the Cents took advantage playing some hard nosed hockey for a good few minutes. Merritt with little scoring chances had some good pressure deep in the Vernon zone was unable to get any real quality chances but had the Vipers on their heels. Vernon's defence struggled all night was coughing up the puck, turning the puck over in their own end wasnt having a strong game on the backend. With four minutes left Brandon Egli made a huge defensive play knocking away the puck from Diego Cuglietta who was in alone for the parcial breakaway. Gavin Gould with two good chances late was stopped by Todosychuk with a few minutes remaining and then on a late powerplay was robbed by the Vernon goaltender at the buzzer from down low. Vernon was up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Centennials come close to opening the scoring in the opening minute on a Viper turnover before Vernon grabbed an early 1-0 lead on the man advantage. It was all Vipers the first ten to twelve minutes as they peppered Anthony Pupplo who played very well. In the second half Merritt slowly come on and played a good three or four minutes with some hard working shifts didnt generate alot of quality chances in that time. The Centennials didnt look to have their feet moving in the first half, were skating a little better in the second half of the period. The Vipers looked to sit back and took their foot off the gas in the second half. The Vipers outshot the Centennials 17-8.

2nd Period: Merritt started the middle frame with the PP that was carried over from the end of the opening period. The Cents come close to tying the game after a quick shot from the corner look to catch Danny Todosychuk off guard looked to hit someone or something in front and just go past the far corner. The Vipers were able to kill off the remainder of the minor but the Centennials kept on the attack. Another shot from the corner just about went in on another close call as the Cents were buzzing early. The hard work paid off after Captain Sam Johnson's shot from the circle looked to go in and off Zak Bowles who was going to the net tied the game 1-1 at 3:31 the Vipers including Todosychuk complained right away the puck was gloved in by Bowles as the referee and linesmen gathered near the penalty box but after discussion the goal stood. Johnson with the assist. The Vipers who looked half asleep needed five minutes to get their first shot of the period again looked disorganized making several poor passes as well as turning over the puck. Miss communication between Todosychuk and the Viper defence after the Viper goaltender caught then released the puck into the corner where all the Vernon players were skating around wondering where the puck was. The Vipers were lucky Merritt didnt capitalize on this opportunity. The Centennials who looked much better were really skating hard, come in waves attacking the Vipers zone. Colin Grannary with a great opportunity couldnt beat Todosychuk who made a huge save with the game tied. On the same play back come Vernon on a three on two attack. Mitch Meek jumped up into the play missed a wide open net after Cetennials starting goaltender Anthony Pupplo dove across the crease to make the save. A very sloppy period from the Vipers and at times from both hockey clubs. The Centennials looked very good to start the period but as the frame went along Merritt too looked sloppy at times. A very scrambled period at times with not alot of flow and several turnovers at both ends of the rink. Towards the second half Vernon played a little better at times. Mitch Meek for the second time this period jumped up into the play to join an odd man rush but this time missed the far corner on a weak shot. With just less then six minutes to go Merritt would get their third shot with the man advantage but couldnt capitalize on a good Viper penalty kill. Late in the period Gavin Gould sprung Jake Clifford for the parcial breakaway who beat Danny Todosychuk giving the Centennials a 2-1 lead at 18:27 Gould & Diego Cuglietta picked up the assists. Merritt was up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. This was a very scrambed and sloppy period with lots of mistakes at both ends of the rink but more from the Vipers side. Vernon looked half asleep were caught standing around in their own end. Way too many turnovers and mistakes in their own end lead for a pretty ugly period. The Cents started off with a great start, really come to play and looked good. Tied the game early had some good jump and pressure couldnt contain and play with that the full twenty minutes. Vernon outshot Merritt 11-8.

3rd Period: Zak Bowles with a breakaway just thirteen seconds into the final frame was stoned by Danny Todosychuk who made a huge save in the opening seconds keeping this a one goal game. Vernon would get an early powerplay just fourty five seconds into the third and capitalize. Liam Coughlin setup Thomas Aldworth who tied the game 2-2 at 2:10 Coughlin and Liam Finlay with the assists. This was the Vipers first and only shot of the period in the first eight minutes as Merritt was flying coming in with several odd man rushes. Todosychuk was forced into making several big saves keeping the Vipers in this game. Colin Grannary with a great chance couldnt give the Cents a two goal lead. Stephen Seeger's shot from the circle graized the post. The Centennials carried the better of the play, were the better team as again Vernon looked to be half asleep. Athony Latina come very close to tying the game after letting rip a wicked shot from the right wing beat Anthony Pupplo who couldnt beat the post. The Vipers were getting some rushes but were looking for the cute play instead of just shooting and getting pucks on net, the Vipers dished off the pass wich didnt go no where, waisting a great opportunity. Just past the halfway mark Vernon looked to be going on the PP after Griffyn Martin laid out a cheap shot before Riley Brandt come flying in dropping the gloves went right after Martin before the linesmen broke the pair up. Brandt now heading to the penalty box as well as Martin evenend things up. But just fourty seconds later Gavin Gould would get called four minutes for high sticking giving the Vipers a big powerplay. With the powerplay clicking the Vipers would strike again with the man advantage. Liam Coughlin in front put Vernon up 3-2 at 12:17 Liam Finlay & Luke Shipplo collected the helpers. With the Vipers still on the powerplay the Centennials penalty kill was good and able to kill off the second of the four minute double minor. But just twenty seven seconds after killing off the minor former Vernon Vipers forward Michael Roberts who was called up as an "AP" for tonight's game gave his hometown team a 4-2 lead after a wicked shot from inside the circle at 14:44 Roberts goal was unassisted. But back come the Cents and leading scorer John Schiavo would get two good chances on the following shift couldnt beat Todosychuk who made two huge saves as Merritt was pressing. The Centennials didnt quit and once again Todosychuk was forced to make another huge save while down and out but the puck went back out front where Michael Ederer hit the open cage cutting the Vernon lead to 4-3 at 16:10 Colin Grannary picked up the assist. The Vipers were able to kill some time off the clock and did a good job at keeping the play in the Cents zone not allowing Anthony Pupplo a chance to go to the bench for the extra attacker. With less then two minutes to go Danny Todosychuk took a lazer of a shot to the mask looked to be very woozy after the shot. As the play went up ice Todosychuk looked to be dazed bending over with his head down. Merritt would get Pupplo to the bench for the extra attacker with twenty two seconds to go before calling a very late timeout. The Vipers couldnt clear the zone as Merritt was able to get three or four quick shots towards the net two were blocked or didnt get through before Todosychuk made one last big save before the final buzzer as Vernon was able to hang on for the 4-3 victory and take the season series 5-2. This was a wild and entertaining period. Zak Bowles with a breakaway just thirteen seconds into the period couldnt beat Todosychuk to give Merritt a two goal lead before the Vipers would tie the game a few minutes later on the powerplay. Vernon with just one shot in the first eight minutes was outplayed most of the first half needed their goaltender to keep them in this game and give them a chance to win. After Todosychuk come up with some big saves the Vipers were able to capitalize on another powerplay and then get a big goal from a former player that made his return tonight wich turned out to be the game winner. The Cents didnt fold the tent or quit and battled right back, scored within minutes of the Vipers fourth goal made this a one goal game for a great finish. The Centennials were the better team had the better of the play. Merritt outshot Vernon 13-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

I really liked the line of Linden Hora, Nicholas Rasovic and Michael Roberts (1 goal). I thought this line was really flying, moved the puck well, was creating chances. Hora I thought played one of his better games of the season, was involved in the play, finished his checks, got pucks to the net and played the body. Roberts who played parts of two seasons with the Vipers (2011-2013) played well scored the game winner.

Anthony Latina (1 goal) I thought played with alot of jump and energy, was really skating hard.

TJ Dumonceaux Was another player who played with alot of jump and energy, didnt do much offensively did more away from the puck. Played physical, was really hard on the puck, added alot of energy to the lineup.

Liam Finlay (2 assists) Played a good game, another player that is a real buzzsaw out there. Very quick on his feet, hard to contain, very crafty and shifty with and without the puck, was good on the PP.

Riley Brandt was really flying this evening, played very physical was in the face of several different Centennial players. Played with lots of energy and emotion.

Danny Todosychuk (25 saves) After a so so game in Coquitlam Friday night, Todosychuk come back with a very strong performance tonight. Didnt see alot of action in the first period was forced to make atleast three big saves before keeping his team in the game during the final two periods. Made some huge saves in the 2nd and 3rd periods giving his team a chance to stay in the game.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

This was by far one of the Vipers poorest games in a while. After a great start Vernon played very well and looked very good in the opening ten to twelve minutes of the 1st period before laying back and almost going to sleep. Up 1-0 the Vipers were all over Merritt in the opening frame needed another goal or two to put the Cents away early ended up taking their foot off the gas and basically went into a bit of a lull in the second half of the first period allowed Merritt to hang around only down a goal. Other then the first half of the opening period Vernon with not alot of offensive opportunities most of the night had very little sustained pressure in the Cents zone most of the night. The Vipers then got real sloppy in the 2nd period made several mistakes, coughed up the puck, had all kinds of troubles defensively all night. The Vipers didnt look to be on the same page with one another making all kinds of mental errors-mistakes. The lone bright spot was Danny Todosychuk & the Viper powerplay. Vernon who didnt really generate much offence did look good with the man advantage. The Viper defence coughed up or turned over the puck way too many times tonight were very lucky to still be in this game come the third period and very lucky to hang on for the win in a game where they didnt deserve to be in. Vernon has now won nine straight at home and moves thirteen points up on Merritt & West Kelowna in the standings.

Top Players: (Merritt)

Shane Poulsen played very well on the Cents blueline.

John Schiavo didnt do any damage on the scoreboard was dangerous at times in and around the net. I dont think stood out all night but now and again was a threat.

Colin Grannary (1 assist) Was really involved in the play, had several good scoring opportunities was really skating hard, has a nose for the net.

Gavin Gould (1 assist) I thought played with lots of jump and energy, was really flying in the opening period and through out the game. Another player that was involved in the play, had several good scoring chances.

Game Thought's: (Merritt)

Not getting off to the start they wanted I thought the Centennials played a little better in the second half of the 1st period. Only down 1-0 after twenty minutes the Cents really come on strong to start the second frame. Tying the game early Merritt really started skating and carried the play in the first half. Getting good looks and chances the Cents were the better team in the 2nd and 3rd periods but couldnt get that all important two goal lead. The Cents couldnt put the Vipers away, allowed Vernon to hang around and stick in the game. Merritt looked very good at times in the 2nd and then at other times didnt look very good. A very scrambed and sloppy second period. The Centennials managed to get two in the 2nd to grab their first lead of the night couldnt get the next goal inwich allowed Vernon to tie the game before taking a two goal lead in the 3rd. The Cents with some bad timing on penalties in the final frame ended up costing them. I thought for most of the 2nd and 3rd periods the Centennials were the better team. Give the Cents credit other then the powerplay did a real good job at containing and shutting down the Vipers top line. The Centennials did a good job at containing Thomas Aldworth and Liam Coughlin minus the powerplay. Merritt was really skating hard, especially after not having their legs moving in the opening period. The Cents were moving the puck, had several odd man rushes had lots of looks and good opportunities all night. Merritt didnt get the bounce or lucky break they needed come the 3rd ran into a hot goaltender now finishes the season 0-4 in Vernon and has yet to win in Kal Tire Place since October 2013.

The Vipers are 6-3-0-1 in their last ten games at home vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 3-4-2-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games vs. Merritt

The Vipers last win at home vs Merritt was a 7-3 victory on Wednesday, November 26th 2014

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 1-0 victory on Saturday, October 26th 2013

The Vipers last win in Merritt was a 5-1 victory on Saturday, January 24th 2015

The Centennials last win at home over Vernon was a 6-3 victory on Friday, December 19th 2014

The Vipers went 2-3-1-1 vs the Merritt Centennials last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Conference Champion Vernon Vipers return home after going 1-1 on their two game road trip last weekend are coming off a 5-1 win in Merritt Saturday night. Tonight is the second game of a home and home series with the Cents is also the final regular season meeting between these two teams this season. The Vipers have won eight straight at home and eleven of their last twelve at Kal Tire Place. Vernon has won four of their last five are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games. The Vipers sit 2nd in the Division are twelve points back of Division leading Penticton are eleven points up on Merritt & West Kelowna. The Vipers have won four straight at home over Merritt have lost just ten games vs Merritt in their last thirty eight home games. Thomas Aldworth has five goals (5-2-7) vs the Centennials in six games this season, while Luke Shiplo has five assists vs Merritt this year.

Thomas Aldworth (34-16-50) leads the team in goals with thirty four while Liam Coughlin (18-36-54) leads the team in points with fifty four.

Vipers goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn played eight games with the Cents last season before coming over in a trade this past summer.

The Merritt Centennials make their fourth and final visit to Kal Tire Place where they are 0-3 this season. The Cents fell 7-3 on November 26th in their last visit to Vernon. The Centennials are coming off a 5-1 loss to the visiting Vernon Vipers Saturday. Tonight is second game of a home and home series as Merritt is 2-4 vs Vernon this season. The Cents sit in 3rd place tied in points with West Kelowna are eleven points back of Vernon and four points up on Salmon Arm. The Centennials have lost three of their last five and are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games. Merritt has lost six of their last ten games in Vernon have won three of their last five games on the road. Cents leading scorer John Schiavo has eight points in six games vs the Vipers this season (5-3-8) while Josh Teves has seven assists in six games vs Vernon this year(0-7-7).

John Schiavo (21-27-48) leads the Centennials in goals with twenty one and in points with with fourty eight.

Centennials Head Coach-GM Luke Pierce played his final year of Junior hockey with the Vipers (2003-04)

The 16-year-old Vernon Viper rookie visited the Houghton campus on a weekend flydown and quickly committed to an NCAA scholarship with the Division 1 Huskies.

Houghton has a population of 7,700 and has been listed in the “100 Best Small Towns in the U.S.” It has an enrolment of 7,000 with the school sitting on the bluffs overlooking Portage Lake.

“It was amazing,” said Williamson, who was accompanied by his parents, Brian and Tracy. “I wanted to go to a safe and small school. Being from Lumby, I didn’t want a really big school. The people are awesome and the coaches are great. The dorms are second to none; they’re like apartments. Everyone knows you and it feels amazing to have a scholarship there.”

Williamson, sidelined by a foot injury since the Christmas break, has four goals and 21 points in 35 games with the B.C. Hockey League Vipers. The 5-foot-7 buzzsaw was drafted by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League Bantam Draft two years ago.

“We didn’t set a timeline. They said, ‘We’ll support whatever you decide. We need some speed and quickness and we’ll have room for you.’”

Williamson was on the Huskie bench for their warm-up before a game against Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks – the other school who pitched him an offer – with head coach Bill Muckalt.

“He showed me around the dressing room and the players lounge. Fans were there an hour and a half before the game and bands were playing; it was insane.”

Michigan Tech has won three NCAA national championships and is second in the WCHA Conference, at 13-4-1, just back of the Minnesota Gophers. Viper grad Mason Blacklock earned a scholarship to Michigan Tech last year, but is on injured reseve. Vernon’s Alex Gillies (Salmon Arm Silverbacks) has 3-3-6 in his freshman year.

Vernon head coach/GM Mark Ferner expects Williamson to be an impact college player.

“He’s such a competitive kid. His character is off the charts. He’s a guy who loves to be at the rink. He’s a very popular player within our group even though he’s only 16 years old. He’s always got a smile on his face, he wants to be a better player and he’s always working on things.

“We as an organization are just thrilled for him. It’s a well deserved scholarship; it’s a good school. I know they’ve been after him for a while and rightly so. Michigan Tech has a real good character and skilled player that will make a difference for them.”

The Vipers, meanwhile, brushed off the host Merritt Centennials 5-1 before 640 fans Saturday night. The same two teams meet tonight at Kal Tire Place (7:00).

“Again, I thought Merritt, in the first period, played at a higher pace than we did,” said Ferner. “They were hungrier around pucks and our kids heard about it in between periods and in the second and third, I thought we were a lot better.”

New Yorker John Schiavo gave Merritt the lead midway through the opening period with his 21st of the season. Colton McCarthy equalized three minutes later with his sixth, a shorthanded tally.

“On the shorthanded goal, their guy (McCarthy) stayed down the far end and they managed to spring him,” said Cents’ head coach Luke Pierce. “Our guys have to be aware. I think they thought he was hurt or something and wasn’t a factor in the play.”

D-man Kenny Citron fooled Cents’ starter Jonah Imoo with 20 seconds left in the first on a shot from near centre.

Liam Coughlin (18th) and blueliner Brandon Egli (first) connected two minutes apart midway through the second, making it 4-1 Vernon. The Snakes outshot the Cents 14-4 in the frame.

“That second period might have been one of the worst periods we’ve played in a long, long time,” said Pierce.

“Our second period was extremely soft. There was a bit more inspiration in the third, but obviously not enough. (Vernon’s) game is consistent. They do the same things over and over and do them really well. Nobody really strays from their plan.

“They do a really good job of defending. We spent a lot of the third period down in their end but weren’t able to materialize very much. From a physical standpoint, (Vernon) definitely owned that part of the game which is unacceptable, especially in our own rink.”

Liam Finlay rang up his 22nd, on a powerplay, from Luke Shiplo and TJ Dumonxeaux, with four minutes left in the third.

As for tonight’s tilt, Pierce said: “In their rink especially, you have to be that much more diligent in terms of your puck choices because they can transition really well. They get up the ice quickly.”

SNAKE BITES: Egli missed Friday night’s game in Coquitlam to stay home and study for his SAT exam. Dumonceaux is close to signing a scholarship...F Mitch Friesen (Kamloops Storm) was summoned by the Vipers from the KIJHL…The Silverbacks visit the Vipers Friday night with the same two teams battling Saturday night at the Shaw Centre.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.